By: Nii Okpoti Odamtten / Faisal M. Mustapha
A JOINT anti-galamsey operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has led to the arrest of a church elder accused of supervising illegal mining activities at Akyem Morso, near Juaso, in the Asante Akim South District of the Ashanti Region.
The suspect, identified as Elder David Bobie Peter, was apprehended following a targeted raid along the Kume River, covering the communities of Morso, Kyekyebiase, and Bimma. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted that he serves as an elder of a Pentecost Church branch in Konongo.
According to NAIMOS, the operation commenced with a surprise swoop on a large illegal mining enclave at Kyekyebiase, where several young men were caught actively engaging in mining. However, upon sighting the task force, the miners fled into nearby bush paths, abandoning their equipment.
Despite a brief pursuit, no immediate arrests were made, as the suspects took advantage of their familiarity with the terrain. In the course of the operation, the task force destroyed eight Chanfang machines and four wooden gold-washing platforms through controlled burning.
Several hose pipes were also set ablaze, while twelve water pumping machines were confiscated. A subsequent search of the area revealed fresh excavator tracks leading into a cocoa farm, where a Sany excavator had been concealed.
Although parts of the machine had already been tampered with, officers rendered it completely inoperable by removing critical components.
Elder Peter was later identified during a routine sweep when he approached the task force, initially claiming he was visiting his farm.
However, intelligence gathered on-site contradicted his statement, leading to his eventual admission that he was acting as a foreman for an illegal mining operation in Morso. He further disclosed that he had been sent by his employer, identified only as Mr. Appiah, to verify reports of the ongoing NAIMOS operation.
He subsequently led officers to his mining site, where extensive environmental degradation was observed. Sections of the Kume River had been heavily polluted and diverted to facilitate the illegal mining activities, raising concerns about water safety and ecological damage. A second excavator was discovered at the site and was similarly disabled by the task force.
Elder Peter has since been handed over to the Konongo District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. In a statement, NAIMOS emphasized that its enforcement efforts will continue without regard to individuals’ social, professional, or religious standing.
The Secretariat also called on local authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to intensify collaborative efforts in combating illegal mining. The agency reiterated that addressing galamsey requires a coordinated national response to safeguard the environment, protect water bodies, and ensure public health and sustainable livelihoods.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
